{"id":371816,"date":"2017-08-29T13:21:30","date_gmt":"2017-08-29T18:21:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/california-law\/california-overtime-laws.html"},"modified":"2026-03-24T13:35:56","modified_gmt":"2026-03-24T18:35:56","slug":"california-overtime-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/california-law\/california-overtime-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"California Overtime Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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California Overtime Laws<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Carol Clasby, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

California overtime laws<\/span> require employers to pay nonexempt employees<\/span> extra compensation for hours worked beyond standard limits. Employees earn time-and-a-half<\/span> pay for hours over eight in a workday<\/span> or 40 in a workweek<\/span>, and double-time<\/span> pay<\/span> for hours over 12 in a workday<\/span>. These state protections are among the strongest worker protections in the nation.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

If you work more than eight hours in a single <\/span>workday<\/span> or more than 40 hours in a workweek<\/span>, you may be entitled to extra pay for overtime hours<\/span>. Both California and federal laws<\/span> require employers to pay overtime to certain employees under certain conditions. There are many exceptions and exemptions<\/span> from these rules.<\/p>\n

The overtime laws can be confusing for both employees and employers. Overtime compensation<\/span> is complex, and employers are required to keep accurate records<\/span> to ensure their employees receive fair compensation<\/span>.<\/p>\n

California overtime laws<\/span> provide some of the most robust protections for workers in the nation. Understanding the basics of\u00a0when you qualify for overtime<\/a>\u00a0will help you ensure you\u2019re receiving all the pay you\u2019re entitled to.<\/p>\n

Depending on how many extra hours<\/span> you work, you may be entitled to be paid time and a half<\/span> or double time<\/span>. Sometimes employers classify workers as exempt and don\u2019t pay them overtime for their extra work. Whether by mistake or by design, failing to pay overtime to protected employees can prove a costly mistake for employers.<\/p>\n

Misclassified<\/span> employees can recover money from their employer by filing a wage claim<\/span> or a lawsuit. If you feel like your employer has illegally kept wages from you, consider speaking with an employment attorney<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Legal Authorities for Overtime<\/h2>\n

California workers are protected by both state and federal wage and hour laws<\/span><\/a>. These are regulated under the following authorities:<\/p>\n